Head of Local North and Central

Head of Local - North & Central

Closing Date: 12th December 2025

1st Stage Interviews: w/c 5th January 2026

2nd Stage Interviews: w/c 12th January 2026

As a Head of Local you will lead, coach and inspire a team of Regional Sales Managers who are responsible for developing the Independent local markets across the region. You will execute strategic recipe for growth plans as well as deliver additional local growth activity appropriate to each individual RSM team to achieve the regional budgeted profitable growth plan, sales turnover, volume and margin targets.

What you'll be doing;

• Ensure that both company profitability and customer requirements are met
• Delivery of plan vs target – working closely with Finance to phase targets across the year and measure/ report performance vs plan across all channels and forecasting for coming months
• Continuous focus and drive on share of wallet & new business opportunities ensuring that we maximise all revenue opportunities and create 'stickiness' with our customers to retain them
• Ownership of margin (% and cash) across your portfolio. Work closely with finance, procurement and commercial directors to ensure that we maximise all revenue opportunities, specifically summer/ winter pricing periods
• Responsible for the annual sales budget development and achievement ensuring maximum customer retention levels
• Work in conjunction with HRBP to develop the leadership team (specifically direct reports) ensuring CMPs are in place for each team member with clear objectives and actions to develop high potential talent

What we are looking for;

• Active PDP supporting career growth and potential
• Adaptable and visionary leader who excels in navigating through ambiguity and fluidity, driving innovation and strategic solutions in dynamic environments
• Proven experience of leading a team to over deliver sales results consistently
• Strong understanding of the industry and product knowledge
• Commercially focused and solutions driven – can demonstrate ability to drive plans and strategies to improve performance
• Demonstrates strong financial acumen and can deliver results
• Confident people leader of a large team with strong motivational qualities
• First rate communication and presentation skills both verbal and written
• Strong team player who can work well with others, and influence key stakeholders
• Can demonstrate experience of embracing and influencing change
• Able to work under pressure in a competitive marketplace

At Brakes everyone is welcome. We don't want you to 'fit our culture' we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don't just look at your CV, we're more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Brakes and we recognise that Brakes can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you. 

Brakes

Built on a passion for food and feeding the nation, we are the UK's largest foodservice supplier. Every day Brakes deliver the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from our nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nation's most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us, and our 8,000-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision. And we're growing